Elmo, Cookie Monster visit Vt. Children's Hospital

'Sesame Street' characters make rounds at Fletcher Allen

Turn a corner in the halls for Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Tuesday, and you were likely to encounter two big, furry characters from "Sesame Street."

Elmo and Cookie Monster made their rounds, helping kids like William Leach forget they were at the hospital.

"And then these guys showed up, and he's real happy, something to tell his friends, making sure I got a picture of it. So, really enjoys it. You know they came in, gave him a high-five and a hug and all that, and brightened his day up. Makes it easier to deal with everything that's been going on and waiting for the tests and stuff," said William's father Jason Leach.

This isn't the first time the furry friends have visited Fletcher Allen. "Sesame Street Live" swings by the Children's Hospital when it's in town to perform at the Flynn.

Specialists at Vermont Children's Hospital look forward to the visits every year. They say "Sesame Street" is right up their alley.

"They're really amazing with the kids, which is nice. To see that bright smile on a child's face when they're feeling kind of yucky or kind of bummed out for being in the hospital, that type of exposure is just wonderful," said Child Life Specialist Jennifer Dawson.

Patient Daniel Wicks had no idea who was coming to visit.

"I was surprised," he said.

Daniel is recovering from surgery on his appendix.

"It wasn't a very nice day, but it's more fun," he said after the visit.

Staff and parents say visits like the one from "Sesame Street Live" is part of what makes Vermont Children's Hospital special. They say it helps kids forget where they are for a little while and lets them just be kids instead of patients.

"Stuff like this is awesome. It really makes their day better," said Leach.